(19)

(11)

EP 1 248 564 A2

(12)

(88) Date of publication A3: 08.08.2002 (43) Date of publication: 16.10.2002 Bulletin 2002/42 (21) Application number: 01979622.6 (22) Date of filing: 10.10.2001

(51) International Patent Classification (IPC)7: A61B 6/04 (86) International application number: PCT/US0131/560 (87) International publication number: WO 0203/0285 (18.04.2002 Gazette 2002/16)

(84) Designated Contracting States: AT BE CH CY DE DK ES FI FR GB GR IE IT LI LU MC NL PT SE TR (30) Priority: 13.10.2000 US 687996 (71) Applicant: GE Medical Systems Global Technology Company LLC Waukesha, WI 53188 (US)	(72) Inventor: ODELL, Robert, W. Salt Lake City, UT 84054 (US) (74) Representative: Pedder, James Cuthbert  GE London Patent Operation,Essex House,12/13 Essex Street London WC2R 3AA London WC2R 3AA (GB)